The Oakland PD Is "Confused"

Nov 2nd, 2011

Oakland PD Chief Anthony Batts via

The Oakland Police Officer's Association has released what they are calling an "Open Letter" to that city's citizens.

It is actually a very remarkable read. Although it sidesteps issues of police responsibility for the more extreme acts of violence last week, it does raise some very legitimate questions about Mayor Jean Quan:

"We represent the 645 police officers who work hard every day to protect the citizens of Oakland. We, too, are the 99% fighting for better working conditions, fair treatment and the ability to provide a living for our children and families. We are severely understaffed with many City beats remaining unprotected by police during the day and evening hours.

As your police officers, we are confused."

I am not sure of any other police organization in this country which has, at this time, publicly declared itself to be part of "the 99%."

This is a radical development.

Tomorrow's Call To Action In Chicago

Nov 1st, 2011

I'll be there. Will you? Via Occupy Chicago on Facebook

"CALL TO ACTION, NOV. 2nd, 6 pm at Jackson and LaSalle.

What has been happening all over the nation is clear. We have taken to the streets to protest economic and social injustice; the violence of austerity has finally cut one too many jobs, has finally closed one too many schools, has finally stolen one too many futures. The economic civil rights movement is in motion, and it will not be stopped. To silence the outpouring of free democratic expression, cities have responded with violence, in Oakland, Denver, Boston, and New York. And right here in Chicago, the government has resorted to denying first amendment rights to peaceful protesters.

Occupy Wall Street has called for a national day of protest on Nov. 2nd to stand in solidarity with Oakland and against the use of police brutality and the denial of constitutional rights. We plan to heed this call in a march and demonstration. We ask that you join us.

Where: Jackson and LaSalle
When: Nov. 2nd, 6:00pm

What: March to City Hall from Jackson and LaSalle. Rally at City Hall
for a “Speak Out,” then march to the 7:00 GA.

#StandWithOakland"